Market Trends of Soybean Oil Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Soybean Oil Market according to our research experts:
Growing Usage of Soybean Oil in Biodiesel
Soybean acreage is much greater than other oilseed crops, leading to substantial soybean oil production and its availability as a biofuel feedstock. There are many benefits to using soybean oil in the production of biodiesel. As soybeans are widely grown, the infrastructure and equipment to grow, transport, and process them already exists. Moreover, the leftover soybean meal is important for animal feed. The use of soybean oil for biodiesel was greatly influenced by the promotion from US soybean farmers through the United Soybean Board (USB) and the subsequent creation of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). According to the EIA, the total share of soybean oil consumed as a biodiesel feedstock doubled, from about 15% in 2010-11 to 30% in 2017-18.
North America Holds a Prominent Share in the Market
Biodiesel is leading to the increase of the consumption of soybean oil in the country. The weak food demand is offset by theincrease in the US production of biodiesel, which uses soybean oil as a major feedstock. As per the USDA reports, soybean production declined initially (2010/11-2011/12) and then increased incrementally, with a modest improvement in yields and planted acreage. The expected growth in the US soybean supply will allow for a moderate rise in the domestic use and exports. However, the growth of the US soybean industry is likely to slow over the next few years, as it faces stronger foreign competition and the US farmers are shifting their acreage into feed grains. Although the net returns for soybeans is likely to rise to uncommonly high levels, they are expected be lower than that of corn, and as a result, gradually limit the US soybean acreage.
